Well after roughly 100 miles I have another problem with my rear end/brakes. Last year I had my outer wheel bearing (drivers side)
explode. So I cleaned up the drum and installed new bearings and races. The other day while driving I heard what I think is the axle bouncing off of the rear end gear. So I had the truck towed home and today I jacked up the rear end, removed the axle,. completely loosened the shoes, and disconnected the parking brake. The drum will spin freely however it will not pull off. I am thinking the outer bearing which I can see is still intact is somehow bound up. I am fairly convinced that the inner bearing is gone as there seems to be metallic grayish residue in the 100 mile old gear oil.
I am thinking of fabricating a plate with my gear puller bolt in the center, to mount where the axle cover sits, and placing a cover over the axle hole/outer bearing. Then slowly turning the center bolt to pull the drum away. What do you think? Is there an easier way someone can think of? I have had this rear end apart three times now, so I can't think of anything I am missing or forgetting, but I would love an easy solution!